Benue Police Launches POCACOV Office, Urges Youths to Reject Cultism, Electoral Thuggery
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Benue State Police Command has launched the state office of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), with a call on youths to reject electoral thuggery, cultism, drug abuse, cyberbullying and other forms of criminality.
The Command disclosed this in a statement signed by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, on August 22, 2026.
The launch formed part of activities marking the 2026 National Youth Day, during which the Command also organised a stakeholders’ youth dialogue attended by representatives of student unions, youth associations and other youth-focused organisations across Benue State.
The dialogue, led by the Police Management Team, provided a platform for young people and the Police to discuss issues affecting youth safety, wellbeing and their role in promoting peaceful and secure communities.
Discussions focused on ways to tackle electoral thuggery, cultism, cyberbullying, drug and substance abuse, violence and other criminal activities capable of exploiting young people or threatening peace and security in the state.
The Commissioner of Police urged youths to regard themselves as important partners in the maintenance of peace and security, while encouraging them to reject violent and criminal associations and use digital platforms responsibly.
“The youths are important partners in maintaining peace and security in the State. They must reject violence and criminal associations, use digital platforms responsibly, and actively contribute to the development of their communities and the State,” Nwadiogbu said.
The Command said the newly established POCACOV office would provide a platform for sustaining and expanding its advocacy and sensitisation programmes, particularly through continuous engagement with schools, student unions, youth organisations and other stakeholders.
According to the Command, the initiative is aimed at taking the message of peace, responsible citizenship and crime prevention directly to young Nigerians while encouraging them to reject cultism and other social vices.
The Police also urged young people to channel their energy, talents and creativity into productive and lawful pursuits that would contribute to the development of their communities and the state.
The Command appreciated youth leaders, student representatives and other stakeholders who participated in the dialogue, saying their contributions would help strengthen collaboration between the Police and young people in preventing crime.
The Benue Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustained youth engagement and partnerships aimed at promoting peace, responsible citizenship and crime prevention across the state.
